September 2008 Archive |
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The Walkmen
You & Me
Review By Matt Conner
“I know that it is true/It’s gonna be a good year,” sings The Walkmen’s Hamilton Leithauser on lead single, “In The New Year.” And if that wasn’t already true, then the NYC post-punk throwbacks are set to make it so with their latest, You & Me. Critics have praised almost every Walkmen effort with enthusiasm, but the five-piece easily clears the already-high bar it’s set on You & Me. In a word, it’s triumphant from beginning to end. Opener “Dónde está la Playa” explodes with jangling guitars like church bells ringing only to completely relax atop lo-fi percussion between outbursts. The aforementioned “In The New Year” rides Arcade Fire’s organ-ic approach toward a fiery celebration of crashing cymbals and Leithauser at his absolute best. But triumph is never without its tragedy and You & Me features beautifully tender moments. “New Country” in particular remains empty and spacious, as softer guitar tones echo off basement walls. Taken in its entirety, The Walkmen should enjoy a good year by finding a home on numerous “Best of 2008” lists when it comes time.
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